Breaking: Pakistan Won the 1st Test Match Against South Africa by 93 Runs in Lahore

The Pakistan cricket team recorded a spectacular victory in the 1st Test Match Against South Africa , winning by 93 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. This triumph gave the home side a 1–0 lead in the two-match Test series.

From start to finish, the match displayed classic Test cricket—tight bowling, disciplined batting, and tactical brilliance from both captains. But in the end, it was Pakistan’s spin-pace duo Noman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi that stole the spotlight, ensuring Pakistan maintained their unbeaten home record in 2025.

1st Test Match Against South Africa Full Match Summary

Pakistan’s total of 378 in the first innings set the tone, while their bowlers capitalized on a deteriorating pitch to dismiss South Africa twice, sealing the victory within four days.

🏏 Pakistan’s First Innings – Imam and Salman Set the Stage

Pakistan got off to a shaky start after losing two early wickets, but Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha anchored the innings superbly. Both scored identical knocks of 93 runs, leading Pakistan to a strong total. Their partnership of 186 runs was the turning point of the first innings.

Imam played a patient, classical Test innings, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries, while Salman counter-attacked with confidence against the spinners. Together, they wore down South Africa’s bowling unit.

Score Highlights:

• Imam-ul-Haq: 93 (153 balls, 9 fours)
• Salman Ali Agha: 93 (145 balls, 8 fours, 1 six)
• Extras & Tail Support: 40 runs

South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy was impressive with figures of 6/117, showing great control and flight on a flat pitch. Prenelan Subrayen supported him with 2/78, but Pakistan’s total of 378 gave them a solid foundation.

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🇿🇦 South Africa’s First Innings – De Zorzi’s Lone Battle

South Africa’s reply was built around Tony de Zorzi’s magnificent century. The left-hander showed superb temperament, scoring 104 off 171 balls, including 11 fours. His innings was the backbone of South Africa’s 269 total.

Ryan Rickelton also contributed with a resilient 71, building crucial partnerships that briefly threatened Pakistan’s dominance.

However, Pakistan’s spinners once again proved why they are deadly at home. Noman Ali produced a brilliant spell, claiming 6 wickets for 112 runs, while Sajid Khan took 3/98. Their combined effort ensured South Africa fell 109 runs short of Pakistan’s first-innings total.

💥 Pakistan’s Second Innings – Babar and Abdullah Fight Alone

Pakistan’s second innings saw early trouble as the top order collapsed under spin pressure.
Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique tried to stabilize the innings with gritty knocks of 42 and 41, respectively. However, after their dismissals, Pakistan’s middle order crumbled quickly.

South Africa’s spinners dominated again:

• Senuran Muthusamy: 5/57
• Simon Harmer: 4/51

Pakistan was bowled out for 167, setting a target of 277 runs for South Africa — a challenging total on a turning fourth-day pitch.

🔥 South Africa’s Second Innings – Collapse Under Pressure

Chasing 277, South Africa started cautiously but soon crumbled under relentless bowling from Pakistan’s attack.
Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, dismissing both openers with sharp movement and pace. His fiery new-ball spell shifted momentum entirely toward Pakistan.

The spinners then took over — Noman Ali continued his dream match with another four wickets, while Shaheen cleaned up the tail.

Despite fighting knocks from Dewald Brevis (54 off 54) and Ryan Rickelton (45 off 145), South Africa was bowled out for 183, handing Pakistan a 93-run win.

Top Bowling Performances:

• Shaheen Afridi: 4/33 (8.5 overs)
• Noman Ali: 4/79 (28 overs)
• Sajid Khan: 2/41 (12 overs)

🏆 Player of the Match – Noman Ali’s 10-Wicket Masterclass

Pakistan’s veteran spinner Noman Ali was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
He took 10 wickets in the match (6/112 and 4/79), exploiting the Lahore surface perfectly with accuracy, variation, and patience.

Speaking after the win, Noman said:

“I just focused on consistency. The plan was to bowl in the right areas and let the pitch do the work. Shaheen’s pressure from the other end helped me get breakthroughs.”

This was Noman’s second 10-wicket haul in Test cricket, establishing him as one of Pakistan’s most dependable spinners in home conditions.

⚔️ Key Turning Points of the Match

1. Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha’s 186-run partnership gave Pakistan early control.
2. Noman Ali’s six-wicket spell broke South Africa’s backbone in the first innings.
3. Shaheen Afridi’s new-ball brilliance triggered the collapse on Day 4.
4. Babar and Abdullah’s resistance in the second innings ensured Pakistan had a defendable lead.
5. Tactical field placements by Babar Azam squeezed out South Africa’s scoring options.

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💬 Post-Match Reactions

Babar Azam (Pakistan Captain):

“It was a complete team effort. Imam and Salman built our innings, and the bowlers executed plans perfectly. Credit to Noman for an incredible match.”

Tony de Zorzi (South Africa Batter):

“We played well in patches but couldn’t capitalize. Pakistan’s bowlers were relentless.”

Shaheen Afridi:

“We knew patience was key. The pitch helped later, and Noman’s consistency made it easier for me to attack.”

📈 Top Performers

🌍 Series Situation & Next Match

Pakistan’s win means they now lead 1–0 in the two-match Test series.
The victory also gives Pakistan valuable points in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

The second and final Test will be played at the National Stadium, Karachi, from October 20–24, 2025.
If Pakistan wins again, it will be their third consecutive home Test series triumph.

🧾 Quick Recap

• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• Dates: October 12–15, 2025
• Result: Pakistan won by 93 runs
• Top Performer: Noman Ali – 10 wickets
• Series Status: Pakistan leads 1–0
• Next Match: Karachi (Oct 20–24, 2025)

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